Intensive outpatient therapy programs are designed to provide more frequent and longer therapy sessions to accelerate patients' recovery. It is a one-on-one therapy that is often tailored to your individual needs. If you have social anxiety, low self-esteem, phobias, generalized anxiety, depression, or panic attacks, you can try this type of program. Since counseling is offered on an outpatient basis, you don't have to worry about leaving behind your daily obligations and responsibilities.

What Does Intensive Outpatient Therapy Entail?

Unlike traditional counseling, intensive therapy is offered over longer treatment sessions. The idea behind this form of therapy is to provide support and teach you coping skills while allowing you to live at home and continue your personal and family activities.

A typical intensive outpatient counseling program includes:

• A comprehensive treatment plan
• Learning coping skills and strategies
• Learning to recognize and resist unhealthy behaviors
• Building effective problem-solving skills
• Follow-up therapy sessions to reinforce these new skills

This counseling program is highly recommended for people with severe symptoms, especially in situations where traditional therapy sessions haven't been as successful as you may have hoped.

When is the Intensive Outpatient Counseling Program Recommended?

An intensive therapy program might be right for you if you feel that you need a more advanced level of support. Here are two signs this program might be right for you:

You Have a Job

Even when you have a drug addiction or a mental health problem, you still have bills to pay, such as rent, school fees for your kids, and other utility bills. Thus, seeking treatment doesn't mean you have to shelf your commitments. An intensive outpatient therapy program ensures that you spend adequate hours with a counselor while maintaining regular life activities, such as work and school. In other words, you can attend therapy sessions during non-work hours. 

You Are Fresh From an Inpatient Rehab Facility

If you just left an inpatient rehab center, an intensive outpatient counseling program might be what you need. Going from residential treatment to traditional outpatient therapy is not recommended since you may not get the much-needed support for your ongoing therapy.

If you are used to 24-hour support, having just two hours a week may lead to a relapse. Thus, you may need intensive therapy to keep you accountable and connected to your counselor. Suppose your problems with addiction, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions have persisted for years despite previous medication treatment and therapy. In that case, you should try an intensive outpatient therapy program. The programs are offered in an outpatient setting, allowing you to attend counseling sessions and meet your daily obligations.